Step 1: Know the RulesSchedules vary, but local governments commonly send assessment notices to homeowners in the first few months of the year. As soon as you get yours—or even before—check the deadline for challenging the value. You may just have a few weeks. And be sure you know how your locality assesses property. (Photo: San Antonio Express-News) less

Step 1: Know the RulesSchedules vary, but local governments commonly send assessment notices to homeowners in the first few months of the year. As soon as you get yours—or even before—check the deadline ... more

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

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Step 2: Catch a BreakWhen you get your property tax bill, check it for tax rate, assessment figures and payment schedule, and make sure that you’re getting the breaks you deserve. (Photo: Apops/Fotolia)

Step 2: Catch a BreakWhen you get your property tax bill, check it for tax rate, assessment figures and payment schedule, and make sure that you’re getting the breaks you deserve. (Photo: Apops/Fotolia)

Photo: Apops - Fotolia

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Step 3: Set the Record StraightCheck your property’s tax record card, which you’ll find at your assessor’s office or possibly on its Web site. This is the official description of your house, and if you see an outright error the assessor may fix the problem on the spot, reduce the assessed value and your tax bill. (Photo: Nick De La Torre) less

Step 3: Set the Record StraightCheck your property’s tax record card, which you’ll find at your assessor’s office or possibly on its Web site. This is the official description of your house, and if you ... more

Photo: Nick De La Torrie

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Step 4: Size Up the NeighborsWe’d never tell you to keep up with the Joneses, but comparing your property to similar ones in your neighborhood will determine whether you have a solid case. Pull up property records of several homes of similar age and square footage and with the same number of bed/bathrooms to see how their assessments line up with yours. (Photo: Houston Association of Realtors) less

Step 4: Size Up the NeighborsWe’d never tell you to keep up with the Joneses, but comparing your property to similar ones in your neighborhood will determine whether you have a solid case. Pull up property ... more

Photo: Houston Association of Realtors

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Step 5: Build Your CaseIf you find that your assessed value is considerably higher than several similar homes, you may have grounds for an appeal. Even if the assessment falls into the middle of the pack, it’s not necessarily fair. The assessment should be based on the market value of your home; if your place has issues that would turn off buyers, now’s the time to own up. (Photo: Bill Oxford) less

Step 5: Build Your CaseIf you find that your assessed value is considerably higher than several similar homes, you may have grounds for an appeal. Even if the assessment falls into the middle of the pack, ... more

Photo: Bill Oxford / Copyright: Bill Oxford

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Step 6: Fight City HallThe process varies by locality, but you’ll likely send your appeal and your evidence to the assessor for review. You should get a verdict within a couple of months. If you’re dissatisfied, take your case to the appeals board and put your persuasive skills to work. (Photo: James Nielsen) less

Step 6: Fight City HallThe process varies by locality, but you’ll likely send your appeal and your evidence to the assessor for review. You should get a verdict within a couple of months. If you’re ... more

Photo: James Nielsen

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Step 6-A: Enlist TroopsTry doing your own research first to help get a better perspective of what the property taxes are for comparable properties near you. If you don’t have time, or the stomach, to do battle yourself, get a hired gun to do the legwork for you. (Photo: Gary Fountain) less

Step 6-A: Enlist TroopsTry doing your own research first to help get a better perspective of what the property taxes are for comparable properties near you. If you don’t have time, or the stomach, to do ... more

Photo: Gary Fountain

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Step 7: Reap the RewardsIf you need added incentive to bring a skeptical eye to your real estate appraisal, remember this: a successful appeal is truly the gift that keeps on giving, year after year. (Photo: Getty Images) less

Step 7: Reap the RewardsIf you need added incentive to bring a skeptical eye to your real estate appraisal, remember this: a successful appeal is truly the gift that keeps on giving, year after year. (Photo: ... more

Photo: Blend Images - REB Images / Getty Images/Brand X

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What you can do about rising property taxes

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A high demand and limited inventory in Houston’s red-hot housing market has left buyers with rising home prices.

In many cases, this could also include sky-high property taxes.

There might not be anything that can be done about your dream home’s price tag, but Kiplinger released a seven-step system to help appeal property taxes.